The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello wanted for allegedly looting N80 billion belonging to the State.
On Wednesday the EFCC laid a siege at the Abuja residence of the former governor, but he was shielded by security officials guarding his home. He was reportedly driven out of the premises by his successor Ahmed Usman-Ododo.
“The public is hereby notified that YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO (former Governor of Kogi State), whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty billion, two hundred and forty-six million, four hundred and seventy thousand and eighty-nine naira, eighty-eight kobo).
“Bello, 48-year old Ebiraman, is a native of Okene Local Government of Kogi State. His last known address is: 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja,” said the EFCC.
Bello was arraigned in absentia Thursday at Federal High Court sitting in Abuja
Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has urged Mr. Bello to toe the path of decency and surrender himself to the EFCC.
“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection. I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism. This can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world.’’
“I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC, and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgressions of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies.’’
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro stated that if Mr Bello was innocent, he should appear in court to defend himself.
However, the lawyer pointed out that if Bello refused to appear, measures would be taken against him, citing section 287 of the constitution, which allows security agencies, including the military, to produce a person before a court and that nobody is above the court or the rule of law.
Yahaya Bello...wanted by the EFCC